'Nice timing for a smear campaign': Zahnita responds to allegations ahead of divorce court proceedings

SHAH ALAM – Entrepreneur and former model Zahnita Wilson breaks silence ahead of a court proceeding in her ongoing divorce and custody battle.

In a recent Instagram post, she shared a video with the caption, "Nice timing for a smear campaign," hinting that recent allegations made against her may have been timed to undermine her as she prepares for the legal proceedings.

The founder of Zahnita's Humble Pie through the video invited the media to attend her upcoming hearing while briefly addressing the controversy surrounding her.

She said she would respond to all questions after her appearance at the Kuantan Syariah Court on April 18.

"I will be happy to answer all questions after the court session. Thank you," she said in the short clip.

She said the upcoming hearing will address three key matters which were her petition for full custody of her children, an interim injunction over alleged harassment and her formal divorce from husband Abdul Zackery Ghouse.

Alongside the video, Zahnita shared medical reports documenting injuries she claimed resulted from domestic abuse, including trauma to her head and body.

She also released a timeline detailing the events that led to the breakdown of her marriage beginning with her initial report of alleged abuse in May 2024, her departure from their home in November and her formal divorce filing in December, the same year.

Zahnita's public statement came amid escalating controversy surrounding her personal and professional life.

Her former business partner recently took to Threads to level serious accusations, including claims of unpaid wages, product quality issues and questioning the validity of Zahnita's abuse allegations.

These claims have stirred strong reactions online, with some netizens standing in support of Zahnita, while others backed the former business partner's version of events.

In the midst of the legal and online challenges, Zahnita also announced a short break from her business operations, citing extreme burnout.

"Dear customers, I am on the verge of total burnout. I am mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted. Let me take a break... I will continue taking orders in a week or so. Thank you so much for your support," she said in the video.

This is the couple’s second time heading for divorce. They first married in 2005 and share four children.

Wilson had previously filed for divorce in 2013, before reconciling in 2015.

The current case also included allegations of substance abuse against her husband, who reportedly tested positive for drugs during proceedings last December.

Previously, the supermodel-turned-entrepreneur shared about her personal challenges while building Zahnita’s Humble Pie during Sinar Daily’s programme "She Leads 6: Crowned in Confidence – Smart Money Moves to Thrive Financially."

She shared that faith, the support of her followers and a desire to give back helped her stay strong during that difficult period.

"Honestly, I left it to God and the people around me—my followers, my small community. They saw that I was struggling, even though I was trying to hide it behind little skits and humour," she said, adding that those closest to her could see through her efforts to mask the pain.

Despite the scrutiny, Zahnita said she focused on finding strength through resilience and purpose, proving that even in the toughest times, new beginnings are possible.